BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 7, 2022
The Canadian Parliament imposed a tax on carbon pollution caused by the combustion of all heating and transportation fuels, the fuels ordinary people use. However, Canadian citizens benefit by receipt of a rebate that counters the increased fuel prices. It incentivizes a money-saving change, for example by switching from gas or oil heating. That rebate amounted to $600 per household per year at first, and has increased each year the carbon price increased. The majority of Canadian families receive more money back than their extra outlays, with low-income Canadians benefitting most. Canada’s greenhouse gas pollution tax is “revenue neutral.” It doesn’t build government coffers. It’s popular. Other countries, especially those in Europe, also price carbon pollution. Even China now has a national carbon price. It’s time to get into the virtue-multiplier game ourselves. ~ Peter Garrett, state coordinator for Citizens Climate in Maine